However, Hayao Miyazaki has also been one of the most outspoken critics of CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) and AI-generated animation. He believes that animation should reflect human effort, emotion, and imperfections, rather than relying on technology to generate artificial art. His famous remark, “This is an insult to life itself,” came after witnessing an AI-generated animation prototype in 2016.
In this blog, we will explore Miyazaki’s philosophy on animation, his views on AI and CGI, and why he continues to fight for hand-drawn artistry in an era dominated by digital advancements.
Hayao Miyazaki Philosophy on Animation
Hayao Miyazaki has always believed that animation is a deeply personal and artistic process. Unlike many modern animators who embrace digital tools, he prefers the traditional approach—drawing every frame by hand. Here’s why:
1. Art Must Have a Human Touch
Miyazaki has always insisted that animation should be created with heart and effort. He believes that imperfections in hand-drawn art make it more real and meaningful than perfectly polished CGI.
2. The Importance of Emotion in Art
Hayao Miyazaki films resonate deeply with audiences because they are filled with emotion, detail, and passion. He believes that AI and CGI cannot replicate the same organic storytelling and emotional depth that human artists bring to animation.
3. Perfectionism and Studio Ghibli’s Art Style
At Studio Ghibli, animation is treated as a labor of love. Miyazaki is known for his high standards and perfectionism, often redrawing scenes multiple times to ensure the emotions come through properly. This is why Ghibli’s movies feel so timeless and unique.
The Famous AI vs Hayao Miyazaki Controversy
In 2016, Miyazaki was shown an AI-generated animation created by a group of engineers. The animation featured a creepy, zombie-like creature moving unnaturally. Instead of being impressed, Miyazaki was deeply disturbed and responded with one of the most famous quotes of his career:
“Whoever created this has no idea what pain is or what it means to be alive. This is an insult to life itself.”
His response shocked the developers and quickly went viral, sparking a debate on the role of AI in animation. Miyazaki saw AI-generated art as cold and lifeless, lacking the heart and soul that make animation meaningful.
Hayao Miyazaki vs. CGI in His Films
Despite his criticism of digital animation, Miyazaki is not entirely against technology—he just believes it should be used sparingly. Here’s how he has approached CGI in his films:
1. Limited Use of CGI in Ghibli Films
Unlike many modern studios that rely heavily on CGI, Studio Ghibli only uses CGI to enhance certain scenes. For example:
- In Princess Mononoke (1997), CGI was used for effects like demon tentacles, but most of the film was still hand-drawn.
- In Spirited Away (2001), CGI was used to add depth to backgrounds, but characters and main animation remained traditional.
2. Why Earwig and the Witch Was a Disappointment
In 2020, Studio Ghibli released its first fully CGI film, Earwig and the Witch. Unlike previous Ghibli films, this movie received negative reviews, with many fans criticizing its lack of warmth and charm.
This proved Miyazaki’s point—CGI can create visually appealing animation, but it often loses the emotional depth that hand-drawn art provides.
The Future: Can Hand-Drawn Art Survive?
In today’s animation industry, AI and CGI are becoming the norm. Many studios are shifting away from hand-drawn animation due to its time-consuming and expensive nature. However, Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli remain one of the last defenders of traditional animation.
1. The Rise of AI Animation
- AI-generated animation is faster and cheaper, making it appealing to big studios.
- Some argue that AI can replicate human-made art, but others (including Miyazaki) believe it can never truly replace human creativity.
2. Will Audiences Always Love Hand-Drawn Art?
- Hand-drawn animation has a timeless charm that CGI cannot replicate.
- Audiences still love classic Disney and Ghibli films, proving that there is a demand for traditional animation.
3. Hayao Miyazaki Studio Ghibli’s Future
- Miyazaki has come out of retirement to work on The Boy and the Heron (2023), proving that he still believes in the power of hand-drawn storytelling.
- Ghibli continues to inspire artists worldwide, keeping traditional animation alive.
Conclusion
Hayao Miyazaki battle against AI and CGI is not just about animation—it’s about preserving the soul of art. He believes that animation should be crafted with human touch, emotion, and imperfections rather than perfected by machines. While technology continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Miyazaki’s legacy will remain a beacon for those who believe in the power of hand-drawn art.
Will AI ever truly replace human-made animation? Or will artists and audiences continue to demand the magic of hand-drawn storytelling? The future remains uncertain, but one thing is sure—Miyazaki’s films will continue to inspire future generations.
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